CNN International launches on Samsung TV Plus with Rakuten TV

VOD service Rakuten TV has launched the CNN International news channel on Samsung TV Plus in the UK and Germany.

The launch will see Samsung smart TV users gain access to the 24-hour US news network for free as a part of Samsung’s ever-expanding AVOD offer, with channels specifically provided by Rakuten TV including Rakuten Viki and Euronews. Samsung TV Plus also incorporates channels from the likes of Bloomberg and Pluto TV.

Rakuten said that the expansion will reach a difficult-to-reach segment of viewers and that it will work with CNN International Commercial to provide CNN clients with access to inventory on the CNN presence on Samsung TV Plus.

Jacinto Roca, CEO and founder at Rakuten TV said: “The addition of CNN to the AVOD platform TV Plus further demonstrates that global superbrands are recognizing how we’re bringing together the beauty of television with the brains of smart, digital TVs, to reflect how audiences watch – and expect to watch – content in 2021. The on-demand industries are ripe for innovation, and by opening the door for business brands to get in front of hard-to-reach audiences, Rakuten TV is leading from the front”.  

Phil Nelson, COO at CNN International Commercial, said: “At a time when CNN has been more essential than ever before in providing facts and information, we are delighted to expand onto this innovative platform. Making CNN International available via the Rakuten TV platform provides news consumers in the UK and Germany with a new way to access our content, as well as advertisers with another platform through which to engage with those audiences.”